Older Couples’ Life History Strategies: Dynamic Relational Linkages Between Extraversion and Strong Ties

Abstract

Objectives

Specific combinations of personality- and sociality attributes may index distinct life-history strategies (LHSs). In later life, partnerships are key loci of psychosocial influences, and arguably of corresponding LH-related selective pressures. Yet, few studies have examined their role in older adults’ LHSs. In the current study, I began to fill these gaps by examining coupled dynamics in later-life extraversion and strong ties.

Methods

Data were from the Health and Retirement Study, nationally representative of older U.S. adults. For analysis, I used a recent fixed effects-cross lagged panel modeling method.

Results

Contrary to previous cross-sectional findings, results indicated that upturns in partnered men’s extraversion may lower their integration into strong-tie networks. Theory suggests such patterns could reflect extraverted men’s avoidance of constraint-imposing close relationships. Men’s social integration also negatively predicted their own extraversion—and enhanced that of their partner—supporting interactional modulation of personality states. Finally, women’s extraversion appeared to increase their partner’s stakeholder integration, arguably due to women’s network gatekeeping role.

Conclusions

Sociality and personality seem dynamically intertwined within older couples. Patterns suggest gendered adaptations in response to relational cues. I discuss implications for plasticity in later-life LHSs.